Aigue Marine 2023, Vin des Allobroges blanc Domaine des Ardoisières | Savoie

Domaine des Ardoisières ' Aigue Marine cuvée is one of the white gems of theIGP Vin des Allobroges, embodying the pure expression of Savoie. Planted on steep, south-east-facing slopes, its plots benefit from schist, micaschist and limestone scree soils, just right to bring freshness, tension and finesse to each grape. This pure Roussanne is the fruit of meticulous, respectful biodynamic work on slopes of almost 60%! Aiming for purity without technical artifice, the wine estate favors natural fermentation and 10 months' ageing on fine lees in amphorae, barrels and stainless steel vats. This vintage is the first on this difficult terroir, born of a human and landscape adventure in the heart of the Allobroges.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin: A true mountain treasure,Aigue Marine from Domaine des Ardoisières embodies the spirit of the great white wines of Savoie with its rare combination of crystalline freshness, saline silhouette and mineral depth. This cuvée reflects the soul of the IGP Vin des Allobroges terroir, where altitude, exposure and sensitive winemaking shape a wine of disarming mineral finesse, which we can't wait to see evolve over the next ten years.

The first nose is pure and luminous, with scents of white flowers such as acacia and hawthorn, white peach and ripe citrus fruits, between candied lemon and orange zest. With aeration, a delicate minerality typical of Savoy Roussanne blends with a fine, almost airy honeyed nuance.

On the palate, the attack is lively and clean, underpinned by well-integrated acidity and a discreet, almost smoky salinity that evokes high-altitude schistose rock and will amplify the wine's mineral expression after a few years' cellaring. The texture is unctuous yet nervous, with a lovely balance between the fruity roundness of slightly caramelized ripe pear and structuring tension. The long, invigorating, chiseled finish lingers on a saline sensation, with a delicate return of candied orange and fresh herbs.